Chateau La Nerthe
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc

VINTAGE

2020

COUNTRY

France

TABLE #

5118

REGION

Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOP/ Rhone

93

Ripe and fresh, with bright melon, white peach and yellow apple notes laced with honeysuckle and verbena. Just a kiss of meringue on the finish completes this tasty offering. Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc. Drink now through 2027. 2,900 cases made, 500 cases imported.

Château La Nerthe is one of the oldest estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and extends over 220 acres around the castle. Loamy, sandy soils dotted with large pebbles produce finesse and aromatic expression. The location, near one of the few natural springs of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape designation, creates a microclimate that’s warm in the day but cool at night. This microclimate creates white wines with a strong personality. Hand harvesting is done early in the morning to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and grapes are sorted to remove any imperfect fruit. Fermentation of the Roussanne juice takes place in 60 gallon barrels (1/3 new) and then ages on their lees for 9 months. The remaining varietals are slowly pressed as whole grapes and only the most premium juice is extracted and retained. The must is then aged in temperature controlled stainless steel vats and stored to age on lees. Blending takes place shortly before bottling.

47% Roussanne, 38% Grenache Blanc, 13% Clairette, 2% Bourboulenc
Roussanne fermentation takes place in oak barrels (1/3 new barrels) in order to be aged on fine lees for almost 9 months
In 2020 we had good weather leading to an exceptional vegetative cycle. Rainfalls throughout the year built up a water reserve to help cope with a summer heat wave. Rain at the end of August slowed down maturity of the grapes. Finally the harvest started late August, as in recent years, with the Grenache blanc of Platanes plot. Free from vine diseases, grapes were generous: quantity is higher than last year on all of our plots. A manual harvest by grape variety, spread over time, ending on October 6th, 2020 with some old Grenache vines.
Bright and pale color with gold-green hints. On the nose: citrus aromas with notes of white flowers (lime blossom, acacia) along with white peach flavors. The wine is very delicate, developing on the palate some delicate and complex citrus, white flower and toasted notes. Nice balance on the finish between richness and freshness. This Château la Nerthe blanc is a model of elegance!
Fish in a buttery sauce, seafood, and white meats especially veal.
14.3%
1.0 g/l
3.48
3.48
Pin It

Join The List!

Sign up to receive wine tips, special offers, and 15% off your first order!